Jared Karras Joins Meyer Jabara Hotels as Senior Vice President of Operations for its New Full-Service and Lifestyle Division

[Danbury, Conn., October 28, 2026]—Meyer Jabara Hotels is becoming more specialized to meet its portfolio's product-type needs and remain competitive. Recently, the family-operated hotel ownership and management company reorganized its portfolio into two operating divisions: Full Service and Lifestyle, and Focus Service. Jared Karras joins MJH as Senior Vice President of Operations to spearhead the Full Service and Lifestyle Division, while Senior Vice President of Operations James Kirkland oversees Focus Service.

The two-division structure will enable MJH to align operational leadership more closely with the distinct needs of its hotel segments while maintaining the company's shared commitment to service excellence, financial performance, and its people-centered Journey Culture. These operating divisions will deliver operational oversight, property-level leadership, and support for the company's continued growth across a diverse portfolio of branded and independent hotels.

Karras brings more than 20 years of hospitality leadership experience to MJH, overseeing 14 branded and independent hotels representing Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt brands. His portfolio spans major metropolitan destinations, coastal leisure markets, university communities, and regional business centers, with properties ranging from the Hamptons and New York City to Baltimore and Tallahassee, Fla. The geographic and operational diversity reflects MJH's ability to successfully manage properties of varying sizes, brands, and market segments nationwide.

"Jared brings the operating experience that will enable this new division to perform and grow,” said Justin Jabara, President of Meyer Jabara Hotels. “Equally important, he understands that sustainable performance starts with people. That balance between results, accountability, leadership development, and culture is what makes him particularly well matched to lead the Full Service and Lifestyle Division as we prepare to enter our 50^th year of operations and our next stage of growth."

Complementing Karras' appointment, Kirkland will now lead MJH's Focus Service Division. He joined the company in November 2024 following the merger of Griffin Hotel Management into Meyer Jabara Hotels, where he previously served as CEO. Upon joining, Kirkland assumed responsibility for operations in the company's Western Region. His extensive experience in hotel operations, revenue strategy, and portfolio development is expected to make the Focus Service Division thrive.

A People-First Approach to Operational Excellence

Prior to joining MJH, Karras served as Regional Vice President of Operations for TPG Hotels & Resorts, providing strategic leadership for a national portfolio of full-service, select-service, and independent properties. His previous leadership experience includes OTO Development, Marshall Hotels & Resorts, and Sun Development & Management Corp. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with hotel owners, asset managers, and brand leadership teams to improve financial performance, strengthen guest satisfaction, successfully open new properties, and reposition underperforming assets.

His hotel branding experience gives him a strong understanding of systems, operating standards, and the unique challenges each hotel segment faces. That familiarity will enable him to support property leadership teams immediately while identifying opportunities to improve performance and create greater value for owners and guests.

"What attracted me to Meyer Jabara Hotels was its reputation in the industry and its strong culture," Karras said. "As I learned more about the organization, I was equally impressed by its approach to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and its plans for continued growth. The opportunity to join a company that values its people while embracing innovation made this an exciting next step in my career."

For Karras, successful hotel operations require more than strong financial results. He believes exceptional service, revenue performance, and profitability are interconnected, and that lasting success depends on creating an environment where associates and leaders feel supported, empowered, and accountable.

"You cannot measure success by looking at just one number on a profit-and-loss statement or balance sheet," Karras said. "Service (both internal and external), top-line performance, and profitability are all connected. When you develop strong teams, build trust, and give people the confidence to try new ideas, you create opportunities to improve every aspect of the business."

That philosophy closely aligns with MJH's Journey Culture, which emphasizes relationships, professional development, and helping associates reach their full potential. Throughout his career, Karras said one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is connecting with individuals and teams, influencing their professional growth, and helping them achieve stronger results. He believes meaningful relationships with hotel leaders create the foundation for improved performance, greater accountability, and long-term success.

"Leadership starts with trust," Karras said. "Your teams need to know they can bring challenges to you and that you will help them find solutions. When people feel supported, they become more willing to take initiative, challenge themselves, and explore new ways to improve service, revenue, and profitability."

As Karras assumes his new responsibilities, he will focus on building relationships with property leadership teams, understanding MJH's operating processes, and aligning with the company's strategic priorities. He said he sees opportunities for full-service and lifestyle hotels to differentiate themselves by delivering meaningful value to guests, regardless of property size, brand affiliation, or market.

"Whether we're talking about a 16-room independent hotel or a 400-room full-service convention property, the question remains the same: Why should guests choose us over the competition?" Karras said. "The answer comes down to the value we deliver and the people who make that experience possible. I'm excited to be part of Meyer Jabara Hotels' continued success, help our teams grow, and contribute to the next chapter of the company's growth."

Media Contact

Barb Worcester

PRpro [email protected] +1 440 930 5770